The Fairmont combines the history, cachet, and decor of a turn-of-the-20th-century grand old dame with the amenities, technology, and corporate-dominated clientele of a large chain property. What separates it from its luxury competitors are its beautiful, well-appointed rooms, many with stunning views…

Built in 2005, the St. Regis offers the best in luxury: rooms with great beds and bathrooms, 24-hour butler service (for suite rooms only), Michelin-starred Ame restaurant, and Remede Spa and pool. Its business-heavy SoMa surroundings and modern building lack the historical grandeur of Nob Hill's grand…

If you can get past the Handlery's misrepresentation of itself as a European boutique hotel, you'll find it a solid choice among Union Square's cheaper offerings. The hotel is divided into two distinct sections, and it's worth shelling out extra for the larger, amenity-laden Premier Section rooms.

With a knockout pool area and direct access from the hotel grounds to the waterfront in Fisherman's Wharf, the Radisson is as family-friendly as a San Francisco hotel gets. The pool will keep kids happy and the convenient location will keep adults sane. And the entire hotel, including all guest rooms…

Spacious, apartment-like rooms, loads of free perks, and basic but stylish decor distinguish the 49-room Laurel Inn. Located in Pacific Heights amid upscale galleries and boutiques but away from the tourist frenzy, it's an ideal spot for long-term visitors or travelers who who don't require a full array…

While the 94-room Donatello stands out for its spacious, well-appointed, suite-style accommodations -- renovated in 2012 and among the city's largest -- it offers few amenities and very little service. If you're just looking for a large, clean, comfortable room in a convenient location, however, it's…

Built in 2008 near the Moscone Convention Center in the business-oriented neighborhood of SoMa, the modern, 550-room InterContinental's luxury-level service, high-tech guest rooms, lap pool, well-reviewed spa, and Michelin-star restaurant make it one of the best values in San Francisco. But it's worth…

Situated on a somewhat desolate stretch of the artsy SoMa neighborhood, the Good Hotel earns its moniker, "hotel with a conscience." With features like a water-conserving toilet-top sink, the Good is environmentally friendly, charmingly quirky, and -- for those who don't mind venturing a bit off the…

Known for its Redwood Room bar, the Clift's hip scene is typical of the Morgans Hotel Group, which bought the historic hotel from Four Seasons and reopened it in 2001 after a makeover by Philippe Starck and Ian Schrager (the latter of Studio 54 fame). The lobby and the 350 small but comfortable rooms…

The 313-room Hyatt offers more style (and amenities) per dollar than the other Wharf area chain hotels. It has comfortable rooms, a sleek lobby, a lively sports bar (in an even more impressive space), a large fitness center, and a pool.

Converted from an 1908 fruit canning factory and reopened in 2003 with 252 nautical-themed rooms and suites, the Argonaut is one of Fisherman's Wharf's trendiest options. Spacious rooms, which were renovated in 2012, have more character than the nearby chain hotels, though the Sheraton is often cheaper…

This Union Square boutique -- a member of Marriott's Autograph Collection since 2013 -- has 171 up-to-date, well-appointed rooms that deliver the right luxuries -- pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi -- in a stylish package. A fitness center, business center, great service, and an…

This 94-room Union Square boutique, themed after 1920s and '30s literary salons, is a bit quirky, with fairly hands-off service and few amenities. But the tiny quarters are nicely furnished with up-to-date amenities, there's a daily wine hour in the reading-room-style lobby bar, and an on-site bistro…